Why do cats prefer boxes to toys?

If you have already spent a fortune on toys for your cat, just for him to ignore everything and get into a cardboard box, you are not alone.

The answer involves instinct, security and a little feline psychology - And I'll explain everything to you!

1. Hunting and Protection Instinct

Cats are Natural Predatorsbut they are also potential prey in nature.

✅ Perfect hiding place - To observe without being seen (as they do when hunting).
✅ Sensation - Walls that protect them from "attacks" from behind.

I.e: Cashier = anti-stress fortress.

2. Temperature regulation

Cats love heat, and cardboard boxes are Natural thermal insulators. 30 ° C and 36 ° C - And a box helps maintain this comfort.

So you always find your cat:
🔸 inside boxes
🔸 On laptops
🔸 Wowing in warm socks

3. Stress relief

Research at the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) found that cats with access to boxes adapt faster to new environments and have fewer stress hormones.

I.e:
📦 Cash = safe space in unknown situations (such as changes or veterinarian).

4. “If it fits, I enter” - the feline mindset

Cats do not resist tight spaces.
✔ Light pressure on the sides of the body (which calms them).
✔ Nest (Remember the warmth of childhood with the brothers).

So even a tiny box It becomes attraction - even if only half of the cat fell inside.

5. Toys x boxes: Why do they ignore what you bought?

Your cat is not ungrateful - it only follows the feline logic:

🎁 De -toy → Static object, no challenge after exploited.
📦 Cashier → It can be climbing, bite, hidden and even destroyed (and this is fun).

How to use this to your advantage

Want to make your cat happy? Offer boxes + interactive toys, as:
✔ Paper balls inside the box (simulated hunt).
✔ Boxes with holes for him to stick his paws.
✔ Towers with integrated hiding places.

Conclusion: Simplicity wins

In the end, cats remind us that Happiness does not depend on spending a lot "Sometimes it is enough for an old box to make them satisfied for hours."

And your cat?